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Roundhouse restoration moves forward; county to solicit bids for tree canopy and contractor maintenance
Summary
Conservation staff reported progress at the Roundhouse site, including heavy seeding (5,700 pounds), an estimated $20,000 in brush-control chemicals, and plans to solicit bids for a new tree canopy to be planted this fall with contractor maintenance agreements.
Conservation staff told the Benton County Board of Supervisors that the Roundhouse restoration project is progressing and the county is preparing to solicit bids for a new tree canopy.
Staff described that crews have broadcast 5,700 pounds of seed on-site, reported an estimated $20,000 cost for brush-control chemicals, and said the area has been seeded and will be allowed to reestablish vegetation. “5,700 pounds of seed,” a staff speaker said when asked about broadcast seed quantities; another speaker noted the county is advertising for bids to establish the tree canopy.
Officials said the planting plan favors a mix of native and hardy species: white oak, bur oak, Kentucky coffee tree, hickories, buckeyes, serviceberries and redbuds were listed as priority choices. Staff noted grant constraints often limit any single species to 20% or less of the total planting and said soil samples were taken to inform species selection. They also described a tiered preference list and the intention to use larger-caliper trees that can be planted with a tree spade.
Staff said the contractor will be responsible for initial watering under a maintenance agreement for a follow-up year; local volunteers and the city of Atkins indicated willingness to help with ongoing watering once establishment is complete. Staff expect the planting to occur in the fall and said the contractor will stake and GPS each planting and provide photographic documentation as required by grant terms.
The board asked staff to coordinate timing, grant compliance and city volunteers; no formal board vote was recorded on the solicitation itself in the transcript, which records the conservation update and planning details.
